Georgia may get involved in Mali mission

Tue 19 Mar 201307:21 GMT | 11:21 Local Time

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The details about how Georgia will be involved in the Mali Multinational Mission are being defined.

Georgia's Defence Minister made a statement regarding Georgia’s contribution to EUTM Mali at the “Brussels Forum”. As Irakli Alasania outlined, Georgia’s Government is willing to accept European partners’ proposal.

“We have received a proposal from EU to consider Georgia’s cooperation with European security and defence institutions and contribution to its missions. Georgia’s Government discussed the issue and made a political decision to strengthen relations with Europe, European Union, as well with European defence and security structures that are of vital importance for our country. The details will be made public after consultations.”

An idea of Georgia’s participation was put forth by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton during her visit to Georgia at the end of the previous year.

Troops from 16 EU countries and Norway are taking part in the Mali Mission. Currently, 500 persons including military instructors, medics and rescue servicemen, also 70 military personnel are deployed in the capital Bamako.